Rod Stewart: Time – review

Rod Stewart's first album of original material in 20 years was prompted, he says, by writing his autobiography, and he wears his heart on his sleeve on wistful, nostalgic love songs (Brighton Beach) and thoughtful divorce laments (the single, It's Over).

Musically, it runs the gamut of Rod from classic rock (opener She Makes Me Happy and the Celtic-tinged, triumphal Can't Stop Me Now) to the Do Ya Think I'm Sexy? era (Sexual Religion, which boasts a dark disco beat, synths and a throaty sax solo); Finest Woman is the Stones' Start Me Up and Little T&A rolled into one libidinous bundle, while a cover of Tom Waits's Picture in a Frame reminds me – not for the first time – how much the latter-day Mick Hucknall owes to the Rodster. The title track mixes organ, crunchy guitar and sweet backing vocals for the perfect rock ballad.

Among three extra tracks on the deluxe edition are Bonnie Raitt's Love Has No Pride, with lovely harmonies on the chorus, and Corrina Corrina, which has bluesier harmonica than Dylan's version. His voice may be sounding a teeny bit thin these days (although he still has all the high notes) but if you like Rod Stewart, you will love this album; if not, there are high points which may win you over.